DuPont Introduces New Developments in Sustainable Packaging

DuPont is introducing new developments in materials for creating sustainable, affordable packaging. Recent developments include the adoption of DuPont Biomax Strong 120 to help accelerate the growth of bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) polymers in packaging and the use of its Surlyn ionomer resins to reduce flexible packaging waste and cost, and a new grade of Appeel lidding sealant resin, used to improve the convenience of peelable lids for retortable polypropylene (PP) packages and protect their contents by ensuring seal integrity.

According to DuPont research into new materials and opportunities for sustainable packaging, the advanced polymer modifier Biomax Strong 120 can help overcome the limitations that hold back the widespread use of bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) in packaging. As well as delivering significant toughening effects in brittle PLA materials, the modifier reduces film noise and cuts power consumption while increasing thermal stability during extrusion.

To date, the crinkly sound of PLA-based films have limited their acceptance in flexible packaging applications such as snack bags. Preliminary testing of monolayer films shows that Biomax reduces such noise even at just a few percent loading. Moreover, during extrusion, it acts as a lubricant in the solids conveying sections of the extruder, resulting in an increase of up to 21 percent in extruder energy efficiency with just 2 weight percent of the product.

Further sustainable solutions from DuPont include a new solvent-free lidding solution that provides an easy and effective way to make peelable lids for retortable polypropylene (PP) packages that offer improved sealing integrity to protect the contents, and the use of Surlyn resins to reduce the environmental footprint and cost of flexible packaging structures without trade-offs in packaging integrity or appeal. When used as a seal layer, Surlyn enables packagers to downgauge packaging while maintaining stiffness, improving seal integrity and puncture resistance and simultaneously achieving significant savings in overall system cost.